DE102006054832B4 - Steering column locking device with pressure release function - Google Patents

Abstract

A steering column locking device using a smart key and having a function of limiting the rotation of a key knob (10) and having both an electromagnetic and mechanical key lock function, comprising: a key knob (10) operable for a start-up operation; 12) connected to the key knob (10) such that when the starting operation is performed, the piston (12) moves in an axial direction and rotates in a circumferential direction; a housing (14) which is fixedly provided and a control shaft (16) coupled to the piston (12); a return spring (18) provided between the piston (12) and the control shaft (16) to move the piston (12). so resiliently supported that the piston (12) is biased against the key knob (10); stroke limiting means for limiting a stroke of the piston (12) when the piston (12) is related h of the housing (14) moves in the axial direction; and means for releasing pressure to mechanically prevent the piston (12) from being rotated from an ACC position to a closed position when the key lock function fails, the stroke limiting means comprising: a first concave recess (20) formed in a peripheral outer surface of the A first stop element (20a) to limit a first stroke of an axial forward movement of the piston (12) relative to the housing (14), a second stop element (20b) to a second stroke of the piston (12) 12), which is performed after the first stroke is completed, and a third stop member (20c) formed in a position opposite to the first and second stopper members for axially returning movement of the piston (12) with respect to the housing (12). 14) limit; and a stop (22) attached to a first end of the housing, wherein a second end of the stop (22) is disposed within the first recess (20) such that when the piston (12) is axially forward or rearward the housing (14) moves, the stopper (22) comes into contact with the first, second or third stop element (20a, 20b, 20c), and wherein the means for releasing pressure comprise: a second concave recess (24), which in the Peripheral outer surface of the piston (12) is formed, and a fourth stop member which is inclined with respect to the axial direction of the piston (12) to limit a circumferential rotation of the piston (12) relative to the housing (14); having; anda catcher (28) resiliently supported at a first end by a second return spring (26) to be movable in an axial direction relative to the housing (14), a second end of the catcher (28) into the second recess (24) sticks out.

Description

Field of the invention

The present invention relates to steering column lock devices with pressure release functions, and more particularly to a steering column lock device which additionally has a mechanical key lock function to be able to respond to the malfunction of an electromagnetic key lock operation due to the malfunction of an electromagnet.

Background of the invention

In general, steering column locking devices using smart keys as disclosed in Korean Patent Application Nos. KR 10 2006 0 029 445 A and KR 10 2007 0 060 904 A proposed, key knob rotation restriction functions as well as key lock functions.

First, the key knob rotation restricting function is executed by the following procedure. After a wireless certification process for an available key or ID card is completed, a control unit actuates an electromagnet to allow rotation of the key knob so that an engine can be started. When the travel in the motor vehicle is completed and the key knob is therefore moved to a shut-off position, the control unit actuates the solenoid to restrict the rotation of the key knob, so that the steering column turns into a locked state.

The key lock function is performed by the following process. In the state in which the wireless certification is completed and the engine is started, when the gear wheel is not in a parking position, the key knob is forcibly prevented from moving to the lock position by a mechanical mechanism by the operation of the solenoid. After the drive in the motor vehicle is completed, when the gear wheel assumes the parking position, the key knob is allowed to take the lock position.

However, the conventional steering column lock-up device of the above construction has a problem in that, if a malfunction of the solenoid occurs, the lock dial can not be prevented from taking the lock position even when the vehicle is running. Further, if the motor vehicle is traveling at a high speed, if the key knob is undesirably moved to the lock position and the steering column therefore assumes a locked state in which the control of the motor vehicle is impossible, a very dangerous condition can be caused.

Further, the conventional steering column lock device must receive information about the current state of the gear wheel to perform a key lock function. Therefore, in the case of a motor vehicle having an automatic transmission, the key lock function can be used, because it can be determined by using a parking position detection switch, whether the gear wheel is in a parking position. However, since a vehicle with a manual transmission is not equipped with separate means for detecting parking position, the key lock function can not be used.

Of course, even in the manual transmission vehicle, using the vehicle speed information, the rotary knob can be prevented from undesirably moving to the lock position when the motor vehicle is moving. However, the information about the speed of the motor vehicle can be used only when the key knob is in an ignition ON state. Therefore, if the key knob is in an ACC position where the key knob is in an ignition OFF state, no information about the speed of the motor vehicle is obtained. Thus, the key lock function can not be performed.

Furthermore, document discloses EP 1 029 757 A2 a manually operable ignition starter switch for a keyless engine start authorization control device of a motor vehicle. The ignition starter switch comprises an actuator, which can be moved starting from its initial position against the force of a spring element in the direction of its longitudinal axis and then rotatable about its longitudinal axis, with a handle arranged at its free end, with which rotational movement of the actuator a steering spindle unlocking can be brought about and an engine start can be brought about Actuator actuated by the engine start authorization control device locking device for blocking or releasing a positive completion of an authorization request released actuator movement acts, the actuator is held after a movement release in its rotatable position by a controllable by a control device holding means and from this rotational position to its initial position by the in the energy stored in the spring element can be moved back, if the control unit triggered by a Be triggered by an authorized user actuation of the ignition switch independent control command is applied, with a Steering spindle lock is activated only when the actuator has moved a certain amount in the direction of its initial position.

document DE 10 2006 046 895 A1 discloses a key lock apparatus for a column lock apparatus comprising a key lock switch for detecting whether a shift lever is in a P range, a personal identification card (PIC-ECU) electronic controller for receiving a signal from the key lock switch, a mechatronic steering column lock controller (MSCL) controllable by the PIC-ECU, a solenoid controllable by the MSCL controller, a lock lever operable by the solenoid, a camshaft having a cam whose rotation state is switched by an operating state of the solenoid, a plunger for rotating the camshaft, a knob coupled to the plunger, a slider which is linearly movable away from or toward the plunger in response to a linear or rotational movement of the plunger in a direction perpendicular to the axis of rotation of the plunger Button switch, the one is switched when the slider moves away from the plunger, and a control groove formed in the plunger guides the slider to move it away from the plunger when the button pushes the plunger into a locked position, the slider of holds the plunger away when the button is in an ACC position and holds the slider close to the plunger when the button is in an ON state.

document DE 10 2004 063 240 A1 discloses a steering lock for a personal identification card system for stably performing a switching function of locking or releasing the mobility of a button and a key lock function and the like by receiving a control signal from a controller and a button operation force of the user. The steering lock for a personal identification card system comprises a bidirectional solenoid actuator, a lever, an actuator plate, a permanent magnet, a coil spring and a camshaft having an axis of rotation which is perpendicular to the axis of rotation of the lever, wherein the camshaft Cam has whose rotational position is changed according to a rotational position of the blocking part of the lever.

Summary of the invention

Embodiments of the present invention provide a steering column lock device which has both a mechanical key lock function using a pressure release operation and a key lock electromagnetic function that prevents a key knob from moving to a shut position by the operation of an electromagnet when the vehicle is running , thereby making it possible to perform the key lock function even if a malfunction of the solenoid occurs, and thus to increase the operational safety during the movement of the motor vehicle.

A steering column lock device using a smart key and a key turn rotation limiting function and a key lock function according to an embodiment of the present invention include a key knob to be operated as a startup operation. A piston is coupled to the wrench in the form that when the starting operation is performed, the piston moves in an axial direction and rotates in a circumferential direction. A housing is provided in a fixed position and includes the piston. A control shaft is coupled to the piston. A return spring is provided between the piston and the control shaft to resiliently support the piston in the form that the piston is biased against the key knob. Hubbegrenzungsmittel limit the stroke of the piston when the piston is moved in the axial direction with respect to the housing. Pressure release function means mechanically prevent the piston from being moved from an ACC position to a locking position when the key lock function fails.

list of figures

• 1 eine Ansicht zum Illustrieren einer Lenksäulen-Sperrvorrichtung, die einen Smart-Key verwendet, gemäß einer Ausführungsform der vorliegenden Erfindung ist;
• 2 eine Ansicht zum Illustrieren der Konstruktion der Druckfreigabefunktionsmittel ist, die ein kritischer Teil der Lenksäulen-Sperrvorrichtung nach der vorliegenden Erfindung sind; und
• 3 bis 8 Ansichten zum Illustrieren des Betriebs der vorliegenden Erfindung in verschiedenen Stufen sind.

For a better understanding of the nature and objects of the present invention, reference is made to the ensuing detailed description with accompanying drawings, in which:

• 1 a view for illustrating a steering column lock device using a smart key, according to an embodiment of the present invention;
• 2 Fig. 12 is a view for illustrating the construction of the pressure release function means which are a critical part of the steering column lock device according to the present invention; and
• 3 to 8th Views to illustrate the operation of the present invention in various stages.

Detailed Description of the Preferred Embodiments

Hereinafter, a preferred embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the attached drawings.

As in 1 As shown, a steering column lock apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention using a smart key includes a control unit 3 performing a wireless certification process for an available key or ID card (not shown), an electromagnet 5 which is in response to an output signal of the control unit 3 is operated, and a control shaft 16 showing the rotation of a piston 12 That with the lock knob 10 is coupled, depending on the operation of the electromagnet 5 allows or interrupts. The steering column locking device further includes a regulator 7 which is under the control of the control unit 3 an operating command to the electromagnet 5 and a housing 9 that has a latch (not shown) that inhibits rotation of the steering column when the engine reaches an ignition OFF state.

As a starting operation, the key knob becomes 10 turned by a driver. The piston 12 is integral with the key knob 10 coupled in such a manner that when the key knob 10 is rotated, the piston 12 moves in an axial direction and rotates in a circumferential direction.

Furthermore, the piston 12 in a hollow case 14 arranged in the way that the piston 12 movable in an axial direction and rotatable in a circumferential direction in the housing 14.

In addition, when with the piston 12 coupled control shaft 16 , a function for preventing the rotation of the key knob and a key lock function in response to the operation of the solenoid 5 executed. The detailed function thereof is the same as disclosed in Korean Patent Application Nos. KR 10 2006 0 029 445 A and KR 10 2007 0 060 904 A and further explanations are therefore found to be unnecessary.

A first return spring 18 is between the piston 12 and the control shaft 16 provided to the piston 12 elastically store that the piston 12 in the direction of the key knob 10 in the housing 14 is biased.

Further, between the pistons 12 and the housing 14 a Hubbegrenzungsmittel, which is the stroke of the piston 12 limited when it is moved in an axial direction relative to the housing 14, and a means with a pressure release function, which mechanically controls the rotation of the key knob 10 and the piston 12 from an ACC position to a locked position to respond when a key lock function is undesirably halted.

Here, the Hubbegrenzungsmittel include a first recess 20 and a stop 22 , The first recess 20 is in the outer peripheral surface of the piston 12 formed in a concave shape. The first recess 20 integrally includes a first stop member 20a , which is a first stroke of an axial advancing movement of the piston 12 with respect to the housing 14, a second stop element 20b which limits a second stroke of the piston 12, which is performed after the first stroke is completed, and a third stopper member 20c which is at a position opposite to the first and second stopper members 20a and 20b is formed to an axial return movement of the piston 12 with respect to the housing 14 to limit.

The stop 22 is at a first end thereof to the housing 14 attached. A second end of the attack 22 is in the first recess 20 arranged so that the stop 22 when the piston 12 in one direction on the case 14 moved to or away from it, in contact with the first, second or third stop element 20a . 20b or 20c comes.

The first, second and third stop element 20a . 20b and 20c form a single recess in the outer peripheral surface of the piston 12 , Each of the first, second and third stopper members 20a, 20b and 20c is shaped in a circumferential direction of the piston 12 trained that it is in contact with the stop 22 comes when the piston 12 is moved axially, and thus the axial movement of the piston 12 limited.

In addition, there is a sloped surface 20d between the first stop element 20a and the second stop member 20b designed so that the piston 12 easily between the first and second element 20a and 20b is rotatable without the stop 22 to interfere.

The first stop element 20a is formed in a portion corresponding to a locking position. The second stop element 20b is formed in a portion corresponding to an ACC position. The third stop element 20c is at a position opposite to the first and second stopper members 20a and 20b formed in all sections corresponding to the lock position, the ACC position, an ON position and a start position.

Meanwhile, the means with the Druckfreigabefuntion on a second recess and a catcher 28. The second well 24 is concave in the outer peripheral surface of the piston 12 is formed and includes a fourth stopper member 24a , which with respect to the axial direction of the piston 12 inclined to the circumferential rotation of the piston 12 with respect to the housing 14 to limit.

The catcher 28 is at a first end by a second return spring 26 elastically mounted to move in an axial direction of the housing 14 to be movable. A second end of the catcher 28 projects into the second recess 24 ,

Specifically, the first end of the catcher 28 such in the housing 14 arranged to be movable in an axial direction, and the second end of the catcher 28 is in a radial direction of the housing 14 angled and protrudes toward the surface of the piston 12th

Furthermore, a guide room 14a for guiding the axial movement of the catcher 28 in the case 14 educated. A stop element 14b which is in contact with a contact projection 28a which is integral with the catcher 28 is provided in the guide space 14a to the axial movement of the catcher 28 to limit.

Likewise, a fifth stop element 24b , which has a predetermined length in the circumferential direction of the piston 12 protrudes, in the second recess 24 provided to the movement of the catcher 28 in the axial direction of the piston 12 to limit.

The operation of the steering column lock device with the pressure release function according to the present invention will be described below.

First shows 2 the state of the steering column locking device when the key knob 10 is in a locked position. In this condition is the piston 12 in a state in which he by the restoring force of the first return spring 18 is retracted to a retracted position. The stop 22 is in a state of being in contact with the third stopper member 20c of the first recess 20 is contacted and therefore the piston 12 prevents it from moving further in an axial direction with respect to the housing 14 to move.

As in 3 shown, then, when the key knob 10 is pressed in the direction of the housing 14, the first return spring 18 compressed, and the piston 12 moves axially into the housing through a first stroke 14 , At this time, the stopper 22 becomes the first stopper member 20a the first well 20 brought into contact.

Subsequently, as in 4 shown, when the key knob 10 Turned from the closed position clockwise to the ACC position, the catcher 28 by the restoring force of the second return spring 26 moved forward and with the fifth stop member 24b via the fourth stop element 24a brought into contact.

As in 5 and 6 shown, the key knob reaches 10 if it is turned further clockwise, the starting position of 6 about the ON position of 5 , At this time, the catcher retains 28 the state at, driven by the restoring force of the second return spring 26 and the fifth stop element 24b to be in contact.

In the steering column lock device using the smart key, the engine reaches the ignition ON state and the start state through these processes.

After the drive in the motor vehicle is completed, the steering column lock device reaches the state of 4 when the key knob 10 is rotated in a counterclockwise direction to the ACC position.

In this state, even if the key knob 10 is rotated further in a counterclockwise direction, the key knob 10 , as in 7 shown not to be moved to the locked position because of the catcher 28 in the state in contact with the fourth stopper member 24a the second well 24 to be brought.

The effect expected from this method is the same as that of a key-operated electromagnetic lock function by the operation of the solenoid in the conventional steering column lock apparatus using the smart key, however, the present invention makes it possible to use the key lock function the mechanical mechanism and the electromagnetic key lock function.

The above-mentioned construction of the steering column lock device of the present invention is provided in the case where a normal key lock function due to a malfunction of the solenoid 5 can not be executed.

In other words, the present invention prevents even when the key knob 10 due to a malfunction of the electromagnet 5 is moved to the lock position when the vehicle is moving at a high speed, that the steering column is locked by the mechanical mechanism undesirably locked, and thus prevents the vehicle due to the locked steering column reaches a state in which the control is blocked.

As in 8th shown, the mechanical key lock function by a second stroke of the key knob 10 which is pushed further in the axial direction of the piston 12 after the first stroke of the key knob 10 finished.

Specifically, the catcher is 28 when the piston 12 through the second hub further into the housing 14 moved forward, moved to a position other than the fourth stop member 24a of the second recess 24 is aligned. At this time, when the key knob 10 is rotated in a counterclockwise direction, the key knob 10 is moved to the normal locking position (see FIG 2 ).

The second stroke of the lock knob 10 is through the contact of the stop 22 with the second stop element 20b the first well 20 limited.

As is apparent from the foregoing, in a steering column lock device having a pressure releasing function according to the present invention, a mechanical key lock function can be performed in place of the electromagnetic method even if a key electromagnetic lock function forcibly preventing a lock dial from turning on Locking position to be switched using an electromagnet when the motor vehicle is driving, due to a malfunction of the electromagnet, can not be performed. Therefore, occurrence of an emergency in which the steering column is undesirably blocked and therefore impossible to control the moving vehicle is basically precluded.

In other words, the present invention has both the electromagnetic key lock function and the mechanical key lock function and thus has a fail-safe function.

Further, unlike the conventional steering column lock device with the key lock electronic function that can be installed only in a motor vehicle with an automatic transmission because the electromagnetic key lock function requires detection of a speed change section, the steering column lock device with the mechanical key lock function according to the present invention can even be installed be used in a motor vehicle with a manual transmission.

Claims (6)

A steering column lock device using a smart key and having a function of limiting the rotation of a key knob (10) and having both electromagnetic and mechanical key lock functions, comprising: a key knob (10) operable for start-up operation; a piston (12), which is connected to the wrench knob (10), such that when the starting operation is performed, the piston (12) moves in an axial direction and rotates in a circumferential direction; a housing (14) fixedly provided and receiving the piston (12); a control shaft (16) coupled to the piston (12); a return spring (18) provided between the piston (12) and the control shaft (16) for elastically supporting the piston (12) such that the piston (12) is biased against the key knob (10); Stroke limiting means for limiting a stroke of the piston (12) when the piston (12) moves in the axial direction with respect to the housing (14); and pressure releasing means for mechanically preventing the piston (12) from being rotated from an ACC position to a closing position when the key lock function fails, the stroke limiting means comprising: a first concave recess (20) formed in a peripheral outer surface of the piston (12) is formed, and a first stop member (20a) to limit a first stroke of axial forward movement of the piston (12) relative to the housing (14), a second stop member (20b) to a second stroke of the A piston (12) which is executed after the first stroke is completed, and a third stop member (20c) which is formed in a position opposite to the first and second stopper member to an axial return movement of the piston (12) with respect to the To limit housing (14) have; and a stop (22) attached to a first end of the housing, wherein a second end of the stop (22) is disposed within the first recess (20) such that when the piston (12) is axially forward or backward with respect to the housing (14) moves, the stopper (22) comes into contact with the first, second or third stop member (20a, 20b, 20c), and wherein the means for releasing pressure comprise: a second concave recess (24) which in the peripheral outer surface of the piston (12) is formed, and the fourth stop member, which is inclined with respect to the axial direction of the piston (12) to limit a circumferential rotation of the piston (12) with respect to the housing (14); having; and a catcher (28) resiliently supported at a first end by a second return spring (26) to be movable in an axial direction with respect to the housing (14), a second end of the catcher (28) being in the second Recess (24) protrudes. Steering column locking device after Claim 1 wherein the first, second and third stopper members (20a, 20b, 20c) are formed in the circumferential direction of the piston (12). Steering column locking device after Claim 2 wherein an inclined surface (20d) is formed between the first and second stopper members (20a, 20b) such that the piston (12) is smoothly rotatable between the first and second stopper members (20a, 20b). Steering column locking device after Claim 1 wherein the first stopper member (20a) is formed in a portion corresponding to the locking position, the second stopper member (20b) is formed in a portion corresponding to the ACC position, and the third stopper member (20c) is in one position is formed opposite to the first and second stopper members (20a, 20b) in the entire portions corresponding to the closing position, the ACC position of an on position, and a start position. Steering column locking device after Claim 1 wherein the first end of the catcher (28) is disposed in the housing (14) so as to be movable in the axial direction of the housing (14) and the second end of the catcher (28) in a radial direction of the housing (14). 14) is angled and projects in the direction of the outer surface of the piston (12). Steering column locking device after Claim 1 wherein a fifth stop member (24b) is provided in the second recess (24) in a circumferential direction of the piston (12) to limit the movement of the catcher (28) in the axial direction of the piston (12).

Images